Signed by Governor Josh Shapiro

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that specifies guidelines for military family educational program grant eligibility for Pennsylvania National Guard Members.

Highlights:

• Expands the list of approved programs of education to include refresher, remedial, or deficiency courses, as well as preparatory or special education courses necessary to pursue another approved program at an institution of higher learning (Sec. 1).

• Repeals the eligibility requirement that an individual must not already possess a baccalaureate degree to receive the educational assistance grant (Sec. 2).

• Repeals specifications on the eligibility requirements of individuals discharged for disability incurred in the line of duty (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes additional educational assistance grant certificates for individuals who enter into a successive six-year commitment with the Pennsylvania National Guard (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes individuals discharged from the Pennsylvania National Guard for reasons that are not dishonorable to retain their eligibility for an educational assistance grant if they meet all other eligibility requirements, and one of the following conditions (Sec. 2):

• They were discharged because of a medical determination that was not the result of misconduct;

• They were discharged at the convenience of the Department of the Pennsylvania National Guard; or

• They were discharged due to other compelling circumstances determined by the Adjutant General.

• Specifies that individuals who fail to meet the six-year service obligation or other requirements are only owed a proportional share of their grant dependent on the time of service completed (Sec. 2).

• Repeals the requirement for an individual’s disability that leads to discharge to have been incurred in the line of duty in order for them to be eligible for forgiveness of recoupment of a grant (Sec. 4).

• Specifies that this Act takes effect 60 days after passage (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text